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Trumpet - Connexeo describes the trumpet as the king of the brass instruments essential to jazz, R&B, and many rock bands.

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Wynton Marsalis, trumpeter - With nine Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Music under his belt, Marsalis is an obvious role model for wannabe horn players.

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Bass guitar - The fact it has has just four strings makes this instrument easier for many beginners.

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Stanley Clarke, bass guitarist - Jazz, rock, funk... Clarke brings his bass center stage with whatever style he chooses to play. He's also written scores for television and movies.

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Violin - Six is the recommended starting age for youngsters wishing to learn this iconic classical instrument, suggests Creative Soul Music.

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Itzhak Perlman, violinist - Struck down by polio at age four, Perlman plays the violin while seated. But the stature of this Israeli-American virtuoso musician is huge.

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Piano - A big favorite with anyone wanting to learn to play music, the piano also forms the basis of many other types of music.

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Martha Argerich, pianist - Born in Argentina, Argerich is regarded as one of the greatest concert pianists of all time. She started playing at age three.

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Percussion - A musical instrument that requires the user to strike or beat it is known as a percussion instrument, for example the bongo drums (pictured). Playing percussion is a great way to improve coordination and motor skills.

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Mino Cinelu, percussionist - Cinelu is a French musician highly regarded for his work as a jazz percussionist. The instrument he first picked up was the bongo drums!

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Electric guitar - The electric guitar is up there with the piano as the most popular instrument for kids to learn, as many want to emulate their favorite musicians.

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Jimmy Page, guitarist - Lead guitarist with legendary rock band Led Zeppelin, Page is one of the greatest guitarists of all time and has influenced a generation of hopeful musicians.

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Classical guitar - Mastering the classical guitar takes a great deal of patience, but doing so enhances motor skills in children and can improve their concentration, memory, and focus skills.

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Pepe Romero, classical guitar -

A classical guitarist but also talented in flamenco, the Spanish master is applauded for his outstanding technique. 

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Keyboards - The most popular instrument to play according to several music websites, including Medium.

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Rick Wakeman, keyboards -

A member of influential progressive rock band Yes, classically trained Wakeman is one of the acknowledged superstars of rock keyboards.

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Drums - Warning! Living with a beginner drummer will test even the most mild of temperaments. Drums are a popular choice, however, and mastering them is all about timing and coordination.

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Ginger Baker, drummer -

Baker took up the drums at 15 and is credited as a pioneer of drumming in genres including heavy metal, jazz fusion, and world music. Oh, and he also founded the seminal rock band Cream.

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Flute - Versatile, small, and lightweight, the flute is also inexpensive. Fun to play, this instrument can be tucked away in a back pocket, allowing practice anywhere, anytime.

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James Galway, flautist - Known worldwide as "The Man with the Golden Flute," Northern Ireland-born Galway started playing at age nine.

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Saxophone - Sexy, romantic, and subversive, the sax is the stuff of legends. Often associated with jazz music, this instrument is equally at home on the classical and rock stage due to its wide range of dynamics and flexible sound.

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Sonny Rollins, saxophonist - Rollins wasn't even ten before he picked up a saxophone. Today he's regarded as one of the most important and influential jazz musicians, and celebrated for his improvisation skills.

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Cello - While it can accompany just about any other instrument, the cello can also perform subliminal solos. The recommended beginner's age is five or six, says Ambient Mixer.

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Yo-Yo Ma, cellist -

French-born American cellist Ma was a child prodigy, and has enjoyed a celebrated career performing around the globe.

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Ukulele - Children are more likely to pick up a ukulele at school than a recorder, reports The Guardian. Master just three chords and you can impress friends and family.

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Jake Shimabukuro, ukulele player -

Honolulu-born Shimabukuro is a huge international hit, admired for his virtuoso playing and complex fingerwork.

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Recorder - The perfect beginner's instrument, the humble recorder nonetheless finds favor with conservatory-trained professionals.

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Carlos Núñez Muñoz, recorder player -

The Galician musician studied the recorder at the Royal Conservatory in Madrid. He's today renowned for playing the Galician bagpipe and flute, ocarina, and Irish flute, among other more unusual wind instruments.

See also: The many health benefits of singing

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